The UK passport deal was at least transparent. Elsewhere, it's a different story
Colin Cram
Instead of querying the procurement of passports, we should question the millions being spent on Whitehall consultants
February 2017
We need urgent action to ensure all Scottish public buildings are safe
Neil Baxter
The damning Cole report on standards at 17 PFI-built Edinburgh schools should not be shelved. All Scottish councils need to review their public buildings
July 2016
Public service contractors are eyeing up Brexit opportunities
David Walker
With more contracts on the way and the procurement rulebook to be redrafted, companies such as Serco are going to want to emphasise their Britishness
June 2016
The impact of Brexit on UK's £200bn public procurement spend
EU rules on public spending are not just red tape, they prevent corruption and ensure fairness. Replacing them would be a low priority
May 2016
Cameron must do more to secure his reputation as a corruption fighter
Colin Cram
Hosting a global anti-corruption summit is a good step but the prime minister isn’t doing enough to tackle the top corruption risk – procurement
April 2016
Civil service contracts: bigger is not always better
The Crown Commercial Service was set up in 2013 to deliver economies of scale, but now smaller suppliers are providing better value
March 2016
End the costly, energy-sapping political games over Whitehall procurement
Colin Cram
Whitehall officials refuse to use the word profit – and it's costing us £10bn
William Mosseri-Marlio
February 2016
I'm outraged at Westminster meddling in council affairs
Joanne Fry
Councils won’t put up with being told not to boycott unethical companies. It wouldn’t be the first time we have faced down preposterous diktats
October 2015
In a zombie apocalypse, will the government have your back?
Ministry of Defence will refuse to take charge, but councils have at least considered the standard issue equipment needed for an attack of the undead
August 2015
Startups get less than 3% of government spend, this must change
Tom Symons
New companies face too many barriers when bidding for contracts. Tom Symons argues that the risk-averse procurement culture needs to change
May 2015
Five ways social landlords can be better at procurement
In the changing landscape of social housing, we ask an expert how landlords can improve supply management to get the best results for their tenants
January 2015
Circle's withdrawal from Hinchingbrooke hospital is no cause for celebration
Colin Cram
The failing privately-run NHS hospital is back in public hands, but those celebrating another outsourcing fiasco are missing a larger problem
Government plan to speed up payment to small companies backfires
Watchdog slams ‘skewed’ system that fails to speed up payments and reveals government officials lost papers detailing policy’s aims and costs, reports Jane Dudman
Why Singapore is building a new Indian city 10 times its own size
Colin Cram
Singapore government decision to lead construction of a new capital city in Andhra Pradesh is testament to its pioneering approach to business
December 2014
Has the government forgiven Serco for the Yarl’s Wood scandal?
Colin Cram
Just a few years after the immigration centre was caught in an abuse scandal, the outsourcer’s £70m contract has been renewed, writes Colin Cram
Public contract bribes more common in western countries, report finds
OECD lays bare scale of corruption and lengths firms will go to secure public sector contracts, reports Jane Dudman
Police cuts could cost 34,000 jobs. Here’s how to save 8,000 of them
Senior officers have warned against impending budget cuts, but they’re also unwilling to take joint procurement seriously, writes Colin Cram
November 2014
Scotland's answer to economic woe: public procurement
Colin Cram
With red lights flashing on the global economy, England must look to Scotland’s sustainable way of buying goods and services
September 2014
Independent Scotland could pay more for goods and services
Colin Cram
Whether it’s a yes or no vote, a post referendum Scotland will have to make bold decisions about public procurement
